Morning Chop: Atlanta Braves News 12/16

Fansided

MLB rumors: Gavin Floyd, Atlanta Braves deal near completion

"On Saturday evening, a mystery team emerged in the Gavin Floyd sweepstakes. It was the Atlanta Braves, who not only seemingly swooped in out of no place, but took over as the front runner for Floyd’s services. Sep 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Gavin Floyd (34) delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at US Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY SportsNow according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the two sides could finalize their deal at some point on Monday:Free-agent pitcher Gavin Floyd is closing in on an agreement with the Atlanta Braves, a baseball source confirmed to ESPN.com.A deal for the right-hander could be in place as early as Monday, the source said."

Baltimore Business Journal

Cordish linked to new Atlanta Braves stadium project

"Baltimore-based Coridish Cos. could be among the developers vying to build a $400 million to $600 million entertainment complex surrounding a forthcoming stadium for the Atlanta Braves in Cobb County, Ga.The Major League Baseball franchise has sent out up to 50 requests for qualifications, or RFQs, to prospective developers. Atlanta real estate sources have told our sister publication, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, that Cordish is high on the list.“Negotiating this agreement is going to be extraordinarily complex,” Steve Labovitz, a partner with the Atlanta office of McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP, told the Business Chronicle. “You know financing is going to be an issue, and the Braves will want someone with the capital sources and the expertise.”Cordish has experience working with MLB clubs on similar projects. Cordish is the developer behind the $650 million Ballpark Village project in St. Louis and also is partnering with the San Francisco Giantson a massive project surrounding the team’s AT&T Park."

Lynchburg Braves

Hillcats President Has Passed Away at 85

"Lynchburg Hillcats Team President Rex Angel, a member of the Lynchburg Baseball Corporation since its inception in 1965, passed away at Lynchburg General Hospital Wednesday, December 18 due to injuries suffered in a fall at home on Wednesday, December 4. He was 85 years old. Angel’s condition had been considered serious since he was admitted into the hospital after his fall.Angel began his association with Lynchburg Baseball Corp. in 1965 as an accountant. In 1978, he became a stockholder and was later named Vice President, Director, and member of the Executive Committee. In November of 2011, he was named President of Lynchburg Baseball Corp.Hillcats General Manager Paul Sunwall said, “Rex’s passing is a great loss for the Hillcats and Lynchburg. He was a dear friend to all of us, and someone we all care deeply for.”Visitation has been scheduled for Sunday, December 15th at Heritage Funeral Home from 3-5pm. The funeral will be held at Chestnut Hill Baptist Church Monday, December 16th at 1pm."

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